VIDEO: Joey Barton ridiculed after Allo Allo! interview - The West Australian

Marseille-based Joey Barton has been branded a laughing stock after conducting an interview in English with a French accent.

Barton, who is on loan at the Ligue 1 leaders from Queens Park Rangers, brought back memories of Officer Crabtree from 1980s British TV comedy 'Allo 'Allo! in the interview which took place following Marseille's 1-0 win over Lille.

The Mirror mocked up a picture of Barton wearing a beret and a string of onions, while The Daily Mail labelled it "cringe-worthy" and compared it to the time former England boss Steve McClaren drew similar ire for putting on a cod Dutch accent in an interview after he'd taken over at FC Twente.

Barton, who had previously said he was too intelligent to be a footballer, said he spoke as he did because reporters would not understand his Liverpool accent.

He tweeted: "Steve MaClaren (sic) eat your heart out...

"In my defence, it is very difficult to do a press conference in Scouse for a room full of French journalists. The alternative is to speak...

"..like a 'Allo Allo!' character which is choose. Its simply a case of you had to be there. #youstupidwomen!'"

He then labelled the language "Bartonese".

Barton was booked in what was his debut game - which was no surprise as he has only just returned after serving a 12-game ban following his red card and subsequent reaction in QPR's final game of last season at Manchester City in May.